READING moved back into the Championship play-off places, after they drew 1-1 at 10 men Brighton on Saturday afternoon.

Royston Drenthe scored their second-half equaliser, which puts the Royals ahead of Wigan on goal difference.

Earlier in the contest, the home side took the lead after Chris Gunter headed David Lopez's cross into his own net after 16 minutes. Brighton were reduced to 10 men on the 51 minute mark, when their captain Gordon Greer was shown his second yellow card.

Reading came looking for an equaliser and Dutch midfielder Drenthe with his first goal for the club, scored with a low shot.

The Royals had chances to win the match as Royals’ Nick Blackman shot at Brighton goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak, who also denied Jobi McAnuff.

The home side then so nearly grabbed the winner, as Will Buckley forced the visitor’s Alex McCarthy into a vital save in injury-time.

Reading manager Nigel Adkins said: “We gave away a poor goal, but we re-grouped and turned in a strong performance in the second half.

The Royals are in action again on Tuesday night, when they travel to face a Leeds side, beaten 5-1 at home, by Bolton on Saturday.